Smugglers’ Series from Isle of Arran Distillery

As the Isle of Arran Distillery approaches its 21st year, it is celebrating the whisky-making heritage of its island home with the first release in its Smugglers’ Series.

The Smugglers Series honours the tradition of the illicit whisky trade that operated from Arran and up the Clyde to Glasgow. Each new release will be ‘smuggled’ in unique packaging reminiscent of the hiding places used in the 18th and 19th centuries. Smugglers’ Series Vol. 1 The Illicit Stills features packaging disguised as a beautiful hardbound book complete with a cut-out compartment that conceals the bottle. The agency behind the packaging design/manufacture was Pocket Rocket Creative.

Euan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillery says: “We’re justifiably proud of the whisky-making heritage of the island. Visitors have long been fascinated in the illicit industry that ran between Arran and Glasgow in centuries past.

“With the distillery turning 21, it felt like the perfect time to commemorate that exciting time in Scotch whisky’s heritage with a series that pays homage to its ancestors whilst looking forward to the distillery’s future.”

Bottled at 56.4.% ABV, The Illicit Stills is a limited edition with only 8,700 bottles released worldwide. UK RSP £84.99.

17 October 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor